A century of quantum
How Waterloo became a global hub for quantum science and technology
By Alex Kinsella
Bridging theoretical insight and academia with experimental expertise and industry application has been key to advancing quantum information science — and a defining strength of the Waterloo quantum ecosystem. Over the past two decades, close collaboration between the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics has helped position Waterloo as a global leader in quantum science and technology, especially significant in 2025, which marks 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.
To celebrate the field’s advancements and strengthen community ties, IQC and the Perimeter Institute joined forces to host researchers from around the world at The Year of Quantum Across Canada: From Fundamental Science to Applications, highlighting how foundational research is driving new technologies and applications.
Researchers at the Year of Quantum event inside the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre building.
From left to right: Dr. Roger Melko in the front, with Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus and Dr. Christine Muschik (in the background).
Dr. John Preskill, a theoretical physicist at the California Institute of Technology, presenting on the prospects of quantum for the next 100 years.
John Preskill, one of the pioneers of quantum information theory and Richard P. Feynman professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech, emphasized that continued cooperation among institutions like the IQC and Perimeter will be key to turning potential into progress.
“We should be grateful to the quantum pioneers of 100 years ago. But most importantly, we should wish good fortune to the quantum explorers of the future.”
- Dr. John Preskill, Richard P. Feynman professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech